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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

back of Naeem Khan petal gown
Fashion

Naeem Khan Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

From the very first dress, it was clear that Naeem Khan is yet again red carpet ready. With a wide… Read More

Ralph Rucci fall 2013 collection
Fashion

Ralph Rucci Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

When explaining my set of photographs from the exquisite Chado Ralph Rucci show to my sister, she suggested entitling the… Read More

Veronica Beard and Angela Guitard
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 | Veronica Beard

Do you know the charming story of Veronica Beard? Of two sisters-in-law, both named Veronica, who married brothers? With backgrounds… Read More

Museum of bags and purses cafe
Architecture, Fashion, Travel

The Museum of Bags and Purses

Yes, you read that right. I am happy to report that there is actually a Museum of Bags and Purses…. Read More

Nude, Study for a Painting
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Fortuny y Madrazo | An Artistic Legacy

It wasn’t until I saw the exhibit Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute that… Read More

Coming Soon
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Travel

Coming Soon

I’ve been out and about and will have lots to share but until I have a chance to catch up,… Read More

YSL gloves on quintessenceblog
Fashion

Fashion Friday | Holiday Wish List

As many of you know, I moonlight as the co-style editor for the non-profit Women’s Voices for Change. This week… Read More

Monique Lhuillier purple gowns
Fashion

A Fashionable Day | Valentino and Monique Lhuillier

Despite the dismal weather, yesterday was one of those days that involved a lot of pretty. First the Valentino team… Read More

scent diffusers
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

J. Seitz | Connecticut Country Chic

In a picture perfect vintage building overlooking a waterfall in the historic village of New Preston, Connecticut, J. Seitz is a… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

250 west street nyc
Architecture, Fashion, Interior design

Hearst Designer Visions | Antony Todd for Veranda

This year’s Hearst Designer Visions takes place in the landmark building 250 West Street in Tribeca, renovated by Gal Nauer… Read More

fetch
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Thank you Taigan and Fetch!

Any of you longtime readers will be familiar with the online shopping site Taigan. I have written before about their… Read More

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Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!
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And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in stor While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in storage, I managed to pull together a simple table for a small family dinner to give thanks on this special day. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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